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Wilford Harewood/Bravo

Given how much effort Phaedra Parks put into keeping her relationship with hubby Apollo Nida private over her first few seasons on Real Housewives of Atlanta — despite that Kenya Moore text brouhaha — it was pretty astounding to see her admit that the two were in couples counseling during the Season 6 reunion. Now Apollo is opening up even more about their marriage in a new interview.

The Househusband stopped by the Ryan Cameron Morning Show this week to dish on his upcoming fraud trial — he pled guilty earlier this month — as well as how it’s impacted his family life. In other words, how is their marriage doing in the wake of such a tough hit?

“We're still married,” Apollo updates. “I try not to be astonished by anything that goes on. I think Phaedra, in a perfect world, should be supportive as a wife should be...If she chooses to derail from the plan, then that's what she chooses to do. Whatever's been thrown at me, I deal with it. I would like to say I would want her to stay around and do what a wife should do.”

Hmm…. not exactly a warm and fuzzy statement about his beloved, but it does at least sound like they aren’t headed for divorce — at least at the moment. The one thing that does seem to be holding the pair together is Phaedra’s mom, Miss Bell.

“She lives with us Tuesday through Friday,” Apollo says of his minister mother-in-law. “At the end of the day, I think that Phaedra does want to hold things in the good grace of God and of her mom.”

Not only does Miss Bell have an influence on Phaedra, her husband also turns to her for help in the marriage.

“When I have issues and I’m flustered, sometimes I’ll come storming through the house and I just lash out,” he admits. “Then me and her will talk one-on-one, and I think that’s what keeps things in the road.”

Good to see these two are really trying to work through things — especially, given the two adorable little boys they’re raising. And if you have to recruit an in-law for added help, so be it!

What do you think of Apollo’s statements on their marriage? Do you think it’s strange to have a mother-in-law so involved? Tell us in the comments below.